Left, NDA continue protests against oil price hike

New Delhi, June 7 (UNI) Left parties and the BJP and other NDA parties today intensified their nationwide protests against the hike in the prices of petrol and diesel and demanded a total rollback as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh refused to reverse the Government's decision, contending that the steep increase in international oil prices had necessitated the move.

The Prime Minister today ruled out a rollback of the hike while as Petroleum Minister Murli Deora made a fervent appeal to the states to cut sales tax to provide a cushion to the consumer.

The Union Cabinet effected a Rs four per litre hike in petrol, Rs 2 per litre in diesel and Rs 1.20 per kg in CNG on Monday, leading to country-wide protests by the Opposition parties and the Left, which is supporting the UPA-government from outside, and resentment within the Congress.

But the Left parties and the NDA constituents remained unmoved by the government's argument. They held protest demonstrations at different places in the country against the government's ''anti-poor and anti-people''decision to hike fuel prices.

The capital for the second consecutive day today, witnessed protests against the steep hike in prices of petrol, diesel and CNG announced by the Centre on June five.

As part of its protests against the price hike, the Delhi BJP blocked traffic at many major intersections in the city like the Moti Nagar Chowk, Lal Sai Mandir Marg Road, Lajpat Nagar, Maujpur Chowk, GT Road, Vikas Marg and Badarpur red light crossing.

The main 'Chakka Jam' programme was held at the Moti Nagar Chowk, with BJP national president Rajnath Singh and Delhi Pradesh incharge Vijay Kumar Malhitra addressing the demonstrators. Delhi Pradesh BJP president Harshvardhan also participated in the blockade.

Addressing party workers, Mr Singh ... picking up from para five, line one of DI32, AGITATION-ROUNDUP-FUEL.

UNI Team RP RAI1957